The Merchant of Venice
A Shakespeare film for a change and one, The Merchant of Venice, which although often staged in theatres is not often seen on the screen. This version direc ted and written by Michael Radford is ostensibly no nonsense and moves along nicely in the two houses giving us all the political and social context of the time in Venice and all the issues raised in this rich and deep-layered play. We have the anti-semitism, justice, revenge, loyalty, women’s rights, money and even the openly gay relationship between Antonio and Bassanio. An interesting blend of themes. In general the acting is fine – the cool, weary and restrained Jeremy Irons, the adequate beau Joseph Fiennes and Lynn Collins who makes a far better Portia in disguise than when she is acting the part. But towering above them all is Al Pacino as Shylock who shows just what an excellent actor he is with a complete composition, voice, body and manner. It may not be acting performance of the year but it is up among the best and he commands any scene he appears in.
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